Until recently, FDD systems were expensive to install, because they required extensive programming to work with Building Management Systems. That's changed. The BuildPulse FDD system doesn't need to be programmed, so the installation cost is modest. So is the annual license fee. Because charges are so low, customers' investments are paid back in merely months, and the properties save money after that.

The Buildpulse system calculates the potential savings earned from addressing each problem that it identifies.

It's designed for common spaces, not guestrooms.

The presentation provides more specific information about costs, system training and ongoing support. It also contains some interesting case studies.

Phase change materials absorb and release heat in buildings, keeping them in the desired temperature range with less energy need for heating and cooling.

Phase change materials are particularly valuable in spaces where the the temperature is impacted by human bodies inhabiting the space, electronics, solar gain and continuously opening doors. They absorb that heat, reducing the need to air condition; and they releases it when the room cools down, thereby reducing the need for heating.

The materials are best placed above dropped ceilings and in the walls. They can also be placed behind pictures, mirrors and headboards.

This simple chiller system retrofit enables facilities to store thermal energy during off-peak hours and release it during peak demand periods. Thus, chillers can be turned off or down when electricity is most expensive. PhaseStor can also reduce the number of chillers that facilities need.

The systems aren't mechanical, so they don't break down.

The BioPCM phase change material is stored in a tank in which pressurized heat exchangers are immersed in Phase Change Materials.

Compared to ice-storage systems that serve the same purpose, this product is more energy efficient, the tanks are much smaller and maintenance is virtually eliminated.

Developers of new buildings and owners of existing building in the Seaport district, East Boston and downtown are taking steps to protect their properties from the rising sea and the flooding that it will bring.

The Boston Planning and Development Agency, insurance companies and investors have been recommending such actions to building owners.

Developers have many options for flood protection, like raising building ground levels above projected flood levels. Owners of existing building have fewer practical alternatives. One measure that the City recommends: move mechanical systems to upper floors.

Some building owners are buying temporary protective barriers that they can install in emergencies. During the January flooding event, Marriott Long Wharf workers improvised by building a temporary dam from snow to protect the hotel.

The City is undertaking some preventive measures for vulnerable neighborhoods and studying others. These solutions will inevitably be very expensive.

The author interviewed Denise Naguib, Marriott International's Vice President of Sustainability and Supplier Diversity on the sustainability component of Marriott's Serve 360 initiative.

As mentioned in an earlier article, Marriott has aggressive environmental goals: "reducing water by 15%, carbon by 30%, and waste by 45% on an intensity basis by 2025, along with achieving a minimum 30% renewable energy use." It wants 100% of its properties to have earned a sustainability certification by 2025.

Marriott is educating its owners on the business case for sustainability--that it reduces costs, mitigates risk and appeals to consumers.

Each hotel will have a sustainability report. Also, each Marriott hotel will have a Serve 360 section on its website, "by 2020 where current and potential customers can view impact metrics."

Marriott will have more sustainable products included in their brand standards.

The company's 2025 Sustainability & Social Impact Goals are described here,and its 2017 Sustainability and Social Impact Report is here.

It's become much easier for hotels to donate large and small quantities of surplus prepared food.
Donors working with Rescuing Leftover Cuisine simply, "enter descriptions of surplus fresh and/or prepared food on the RLC website, and...store it at the proper temperature until RLC volunteers pick it up."

At least five Boston hotels donate their surplus prepared food.

2018 MEETINGS

The following meeting will be 2:30 to 4:00.

March 8

Lenox Hotel

April 5

The Ritz-Carlton, Boston

October 11

The Langham, Boston

* We'll have one more meeting in the fall. I haven't scheduled the date yet.